Have to agree with the previous posters. It is always nicer to try to speak the local language before using english, also you will find that a lot of people will react much more positive when you first address them in their own language.
Especially if you want to go a little off the beaten track, it might be hard to find somebody who speaks english and so you should at least be able to ask "Where the hell am I and how do I get to XYZ" [It might be helpful if you understand the answer then, too ]

David

Oh, and one more thing: You might want to familiarize yourself with what hand signals are considered offensive in the area you are going to...